It’s said that Bolivia is the Tibet of the Americas – a comparison instantly clear upon arrival into Uyuni. Spanish is widely spoken, but often second to the indigenous languages of Quechua and Aymara. The pace of the people matches the simplicity of the towns; no one’s dashing to a meeting or rushing to see a new flick. A curb or bench is much more appealing.

As one of only two landlocked countries in South America, Bolivia has managed to preserve traditional customs unlike any other place I’ve seen. The terrain is some of the most rugged on the continent, but the people couldn’t be friendlier.

“They actually dress like that!” I exclaimed to Julie over and over again. I’m yet to see a Bolivian girl I would call sexy, but that’s not what they go for here. The women are strong and conservative, giving the impression that they could nurture their babies, knit mittens, cook dinner, and sumo wrestle all in a hard day’s work. It seems like a rite of passage to become rotund, for all the classic accessories look much better on a bigger body type: the leggings, the flat shoes (often made from tires), the puffy dress, the blouse, the layers of sweaters and petticoats and aprons, the shawls they drape across, and the vibrant blanket to hold anything from groceries to babies. Even on the slender ones, the bundles of clothing have a Russian nesting doll effect, building them up with each layer.

To top all that off is a bowler hat, sitting three sizes too small upon their heads. That’s my favorite touch, for it’s just so random. Some are squat and round – Charlie Chaplin style, while some are tall and cylindrical – Cat in the Hat style. In both cases, their black hair is parted in the center with two long braids joined together near the waist. There’s usually a band or two on the back of the apron to guide the rope-like locks down the back. In my experience, the women don’t love having their photos taken, so look out for an album called “Backs of Bolivia.”

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 19th, 2006 at 7:33 am in XX. Bolivia. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.